Feast of the
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Final cause denotes the purpose for which something is made. The final cause of a cup is to hold a drink. What is the final cause of humans? Why are they born? Some will respond quickly “to know, love, and serve God.” This catechism answer is true but not complete. Each person has a particular purpose or final cause. The first reading indicates this truth where it mentions that humans “are called according to his purpose.”
Somehow humans must discern God’s purpose for themselves. They are to assess personal talents, interests, needs and necessities to determine what God wants of each of them. Mary, the Virgin of Nazareth, was called to be the Mother of God. Luke’s gospel records how she received this vocation through the message of an angel. Yet the episode indicates some discernment on her part as she asked the angel how it could happen since she had “no relations with a man.”
Of course, youth is the time when most of us discern the monumental callings of marital state, career, and general stance in life, including faith commitment. Yet as we age, we are called to refine our choices. We can turn to Mary for assistance. She provides more than intercessory prayers. She also models careful discernment.
